FORT VALLEY, Ga. – The Wildcats made sure their veteran players had a joyous Saturday afternoon as they were celebrated. Fort Valley State used big runs in both the second and third quarters and posted its biggest margin of victory over an opponent in recent years in the 77-34 women's basketball final over Benedict College.

Leading, 20-12 midway through the second frame, FVSU (12-8/10-5 SIAC East) went on a game-changing 14-0 run over a four-minute time frame for a new 34-12 tally. After already outscoring the visitors 8-3 in the first 5:12 of the third period, the Wildcats netted the next 11 points to put the game away, 57-23, to end the quarter. The home lead grew to as many as 72-26 with 3:52 remaining.

With the victory, FVSU sweeps the season series from Benedict and improved to 12-8 overall.

Just as important, the four FVSU seniors of Shekinah Rachel, Ayani Cockrell, Amiya Allen and Jameisha Williams claimed the win for 'Senior Day' with each scoring. Rachel pulled down a team-high 11 rebounds to go with nine points, three steals and a pair of blocked shots. Cockrell chipped in 11 points with five boards. Amiya Allen added six points, two rebounds and two steals, while Williams had two points.

Freshman Aaniyah Allen played a big part in helping her senior teammates get the win. She had a best game of her first season with 22 points on 10 of 19 shooting to go with five rebounds, five assists and four steals. Camryn Oneill also hit for double figures with 10 points on 4 of 6 from the floor, five rebounds, four steals and three assists. Cori Barnes downed a pair of 3-pointers as part of her eight points and Taylor Addison scored seven points along with six rebounds and five steals. Ace Stevenson had the other two home points.

Alaysia Nash scored a third of the Lady Tigers points with 10 of the 34 points.

FVSU can enjoy the win tomorrow before it hosts Allen University on Monday evening (Feb. 12) in a 5:30 p.m. start time.

-Wildcats-